Networking for new markets at ATM

The Arabian Travel Market, that kicks off in Dubai from April 22, once again brings together the world on one stage with its myriad opportunities for the clientele and all the attendees. Professionals in the industry share their insights on their expectations from this year’s show with TravTalk.

Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director—MENA and India, Wego
ATM is the perfect opportunity for the best of travel and tourism businesses to showcase latest developments, offers and technologies. It also enables us to connect with top professionals from within the industry. We are excited to participate in another edition of this travel event. Since Wego works closely with several airlines, hotels and tourism boards, we look forward to exploring more cross-business synergies at ATM.

Angela Christodoulopoulou, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Our property will showcase a great choice of stay for travellers due to prime location at Corniche. All rooms and suites have breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf. This will be our focal point coupled with food, beverage choices, meeting venues, etc. We would like to renew our existing partnerships and look out for new opportunities that will come our way at this networking platform. ATM is special as the world comes together for us to mingle close to our home.

Salih Gozcu, Managing Director, BTB Tours
As BTB Tours, we grew more than 200% as pax and revenue in the last one year, especially after the UAE government decided on no-visa policy for Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. We hope this ATM will be more effective for us as partners can visit UAE without visa. I believe we will have fantastic summer business this season from CIS and Europe countries because of summer destinations like Turkey, Greece and Spain.

Olwin Desouza, General Manger, Ghaya Grand
With the hospitality industry evolving faster than ever, ATM is an ideal platform for us to announce our summer packages. Our packages are linked to popularising Dubai’s growing range of attractions as a shopping and leisure destination with something in store for everyone. Our special focus is on the upcoming Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the region’s summer entertainment and shopping fiesta. We highlighted our proximity to the Jumeirah Golf Club and other renowned courses to promote Dubai for a golfing holiday. In fact, we targeted Germany as one of our main feeder markets, tying up with many of the country’s travel agents during ITB earlier this year. Both business and leisure travellers are increasingly expecting more from their accommodation, and our fully serviced apartments will give us a competitive advantage in the market.

George Titus, Cluster Director of Sales, Ayla Hotels & Resorts, Al Ain
We will be focusing on displaying our properties at Al Ain. As a destination for leisure and tourism, various facilities and packages of Ayla Hotels and new hotels are in the pipeline. Maintaining a strong relationship with existing partners and finding new markets, new tour operators and travel agents will be focus at ATM.